The Letters which I have lately had the Pleasure of recieving from you1 should have been regularly answered, had not the State of my public and private Business been such as to engage all my Time and Attention—I hope by Degrees to reduce both to order, and thaten and not before I may expect to enjoy a little Leisure.

Mr Strang2 tells me you grow industrious—This is a good Report and if continued will conduce no less to your Welfare than to the Satisfaction of your Friends—It is generally known that you are studying the Law, and you must either excel in it, or lose Credit by the Attempt.

The Poetry you sent me is not without Merit, it is a pretty tho not very valuable accomplishmt. & therefore should rather be pursued as an elegant amusement than a profitable Business—Study composition and the Principles of Elocution; attend to the human Heart, and read both Men & Books—Take care lest your Situation should insensibly lead you into Rusticities, and remember that the City ought to be your Field when you come to practice, prepare for it therefore in every way—Excuse these short Hints—and believe me to be Dr Peter your afft. Uncle